Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday expressed grief and announced ex gratia of Rs. 2 lakhs from Prime Minister's National Relief Fund (PMNRF) for the next of kin of those killed and Rs. 50,000 for those seriously injured.

"Prayers with those injured in the tragic train accident. I've spoken to (Railway Minister) Suresh Prabhu, who is personally monitoring the situation closely," Modi said in a tweet.

"PM has asked the Railway Minister (Suresh Prabhu) to closely monitor the situation and ensure speedy relief and assistance at the spot," the Prime Minister's Office said in another tweet.

“PM Narendra Modi has announced ex gratia of Rs. 2 lakhs from PMNRF for the next of kin of those killed in the rail accident in Uttar Pradesh. PM has also announced Rs. 50,000 for those seriously injured. The assistance announced by PM is over and above any assistance announced by the Railways,” PMO India said in a series of tweets.